Setting the world record in long jump at the 2011 Sydney Track Classic

Bio

Carlee Beattie is a star in the long jump pit. Although she was born without a fully formed arm, her long and slender frame meant she was ideal for a career in sport.

Carlee first found success in hockey and netball, and was named the most valuable player at the 2000 Netball Queensland State Titles. But after she was approached by athletics coach, Brett Jones, in a shopping centre, she turned her attention towards Para-athletics. She was inspired by the opportunities now available to athletes with a disability and quickly set about reaching the highest level of Paralympic sport.

While most athletes make their international debut at tournaments and competitions outside of a Paralympic Games, Carlee kicked off her international career in Beijing. Although she didn’t medal, the 2008 Paralympic Games were a learning curve for Carlee, and it wasn’t long before she stood among the world’s best.

In the lead-up to the 2012 Paralympic Games, Carlee trained using a prosthetic arm to assist strength and conditioning. At the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, her next major international meet after Beijing, she claimed silver in long jump and bronze in the 100m sprint. That same year she broke her own world record at the Sydney Track Classic, jumping 6.01m – 8cm on her previous record.

Despite injury woes, Carlee bagged silver in London with a jump of 5.57m. She matched this performance at the 2016 Games in Rio, where she won bronze.

Carlee is currently coached by Gary Bourne, who also coaches Olympic silver medallist, Mitchell Watt. She says that Gary is the single most influential person in her life, motivating her every day to reach her highest potential.

Carlee eats eggs for breakfast every morning of competition. She knows better than most people what foods to eat and when, having completed a Bachelor of Health Science in 2014. Carlee hopes to work as a nutritionist once she retires from athletics.

Raised in a sports-oriented family, ‘Beatts’ loves spending time with her parents and two brothers. She also enjoys watching movies, hiking and hitting the beach…when she finds the time.